Parents Nearly Kill 7-year-old After Repeatedly Forcing Him Under Ice-cold Water as Punishment

Two parents from Buffalo, New York are facing disturbing felony charges after prosecutors say they repeatedly abused a 7-year-old child, including forcing the child underwater in a cold bath as punishment.

Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane announced Tuesday that Jacklyn J. Balabis, 26, and Parris D. Woods, 24, were arraigned on a 15-count indictment. Balabis is the child’s mother and Woods is the child’s stepfather. Both defendants appeared before Justice Kelly Vacco and were ordered held without bail.

The indictment charges each defendant with two counts of first-degree assault, six counts of attempted first-degree assault, six counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

According to prosecutors, emergency responders were called to the defendants’ Buffalo residence on December 11th at approx. 10:47pm after the child was found unresponsive. The child was rushed to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, remaining hospitalized for eight days while being treated for hypothermia and additional injuries.

Investigators allege Balabis and Woods intentionally used water as a dangerous instrument to inflict serious physical harm. Prosecutors say the child was forced into a cold bath and held underwater, almost to the point of death on several occasions.

The indictment further alleges a pattern of abuse between October 16th and December 11th where the child was violently physically abused, deprived food, forced to exercise and take cold showers.

“These disturbing allegations involve physical abuse and the deliberate deprivation of basic needs. No child should ever be subjected to this level of cruelty - especially by the hands of those entrusted with their care,” Keane said. “This case demands accountability and we will prosecute the accused to the fullest extent of the law.”

Both defendants face up to 25 years in state prison.

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Parents Nearly Kill 7-year-old After Repeatedly Forcing Him Under Ice-cold Water as Punishment